Into the Fire

We've discussed differing opinions here in reading and about writing ad nauseam. But it never ceases to amaze me when two readers who are usually fairly like-minded hold two opposite opinions of the same novel. Especially when it's a book I loathed for every possible reason. Or one I loved and the contrary opinion matches my enthusiasm.

This presents the obvious reason for writers not to assume they will capture a particular audience's fancy. You just can't please everyone. As a writer, you try to isolate to whom your story might appeal, and if you're not "greedy" about it, you'll probably be right. Note the genre, the tone and voice, the subject matter or theme, the types of characters and shoot for the target readers.

Sometimes I think Christian authors are naïve about audiences. I've heard multiple authors insist they write for "all" markets. Not hardly. And that's precisely what I mean about being "greedy". When some secular readers give one-star reviews because of a low-key mention of God, Jesus, or a quick prayer, you're foolish to think your Christian worldview will "sneak" by them or not offend them. Some people just want to be offended.

One thing's for sure: there are plenty of novels to go around. Literally millions, old and new, to satisfy the hordes of diverse readers. And though we have similar tastes with some of our fellow friends and readers, there will always be a couple of books where we can't share the same opinion.

We write to tell the stories we want to read.

Father, thank you for the wonders of writing stories. Apart from you, I can do nothing. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.